WORLD BRIEFING | THE AMERICAS; Peru: Officer Says He Spied For Chile

By SIMON ROMERO

Published: November 18, 2009

Officials in President Alan Garc?s government said an air force officer had confessed to spying for Chile, escalating a diplomatic dispute between Peru and Chile. Javier Vel?uez, chief of Mr. Garc?s cabinet, said V?or Ariza, 45, a noncommissioned air force officer, had passed national security information to officials in Chile's armed forces. Additional proof included money transfers received by Mr. Ariza and Internet communications he had with contacts in Chile, Mr. Vel?uez said. Chile's government has disputed the espionage claims, which surfaced this month amid tensions over a maritime boundary dispute.